First, second and third prizes include Sony or Fuji digital cameras, supplied by Van’s Photo in Mentor. Three honorable mentions also will be awarded.

Photos will be displayed in the O’Malley Center Atrium the last two weeks of the semester. Then, will be displayed in the Tully Atrium of the Library during the last two weeks of May and the month of June.

Winners will be notified by email by April 19 if their work has won. A ceremony and display will open April 22 in the O’Malley Center Atrium at 5 p.m. Winners are expected to attend; all entrants are invited.

For further information contact Mary E. Beadle, Chair of the Tim Russert Department, at mbeadle@jcu.edu.

Explanation of Theme: The Environment

In December 2010, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2013 as the United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation. In reflection of this declaration, the 2013 World Water Day, which will take place on 22 March 2013, also will be dedicated to water cooperation.

The objective of this International Year is to raise awareness, both on the potential for increased cooperation, and on the challenges facing water management in light of the increase in demand for water access, allocation and services. The Year will highlight the history of successful water cooperation initiatives, as well as identify burning issues on water education, water diplomacy, transboundary water management.

In addition, Jesuit communities around the world have been asked to make their buildings more energy efficient, help the farmers they work with use sustainable agricultural practices and launch programs in their universities to promote both theological reflection and scientific research on protecting the environment.

A 68-page special report on ecology, “Healing a Broken World,” called on Jesuits and their collaborators (that’s us at JCU) to confront their own resistance and “cast a grateful look on creation, letting our heart be touched by its wounded reality and making a strong personal and communal commitment to healing it.”

The report called for biblical and spiritual reflection on the gift of creation and an understanding of environmental protection as a justice issue, since it is the poor who suffer first and most severely from the destruction of environment.

The ecological crisis must be seen as a challenge to faith, the report said. “It is the very dream of God as creator that is threatened. It is the entire world, the one God put in the hands of humankind to keep and preserve, which is in real danger of destruction.”

The report urged Jesuit schools, universities, theology faculties and research institutes to immerse their students in “real-world environmental issues” and help them seek real solutions; promote an “environmental ethic” on campuses by promoting recycling and energy savings; and develop courses in business, science, ethics and theology that include environmental responsibility and reflection.

Photos should raise awareness of environmental issues such as clean water, demonstrate a commitment to healing the environment or an example of the destruction of the environment or provide a reflection on “this gift of creation.”

Entry Form and Submission

One entry form must be submitted per photograph

Submit up to 3 different photographs

Include, for each photo, a caption and an approximately 150-word explanation of how the photo captures the theme.

Complete all questions on your form

Attach an entry form to the back of each photograph

Include a jpeg file submission online

Place submission(s) in a protective envelope and deliver it to the Photo Contest Box in Communication Department Office Room OC 47 by 3 p.m. April 2.

Format

All submissions must be an 8 X 12 full frame photo print or 8 X 10 photo print; non smaller or larger, and one medium or high resolution jpeg of the same printed image. No WEB resolution please. Both formats must be submitted. Images must be submitted as prints to be judged and exhibited. Digital files must be submitted on line. A digital file without a print will not be judged. Remember, a form must also accompany each submission. Local photo labs can print and make the jpeg file for you.

Eligibility

The contest is open to all JCU students currently registered. It is the responsibility of the entrant to obtain the appropriate permissions from all concerned parties.

Disclaimer

The Tim Russert Department of Communication and Theatre Arts assumes all entries are original and the property of the entrant. A submission of entry acknowledges acceptance of these rules. Materials may not be returned.